Fuse box cover, buy a new cover or a new panel Options

[slotty008]

The cover of my fuse box is missing. I can buy a new cover from Sierra Madre or get a new fuse panel. But Jwest doesn't have it at the moment and Pelican neither. I could buy a 12 way fuse box on Ebay but I'm not sure it will fit
I have had no electrical issues, so what would be the best thing to do?

[mepstein]

First, I’m a big believer in using all new fuses. Spend $5-10 and replace them all.
Second, the original fuse panel is simple and works fine. Clean up the contacts.
I found a second panel, cleaned it off in vinegar and then switched the wires, one by one, into the clean panel. Then cleaned the old one so I could do the same for the next car.

I would just get a new cover. The old ones get brittle and crack.

[Rand]

There are a couple of aftermarket options that replace the stupid old chicklets with modern blade fuse replacements. Don't look back.

Is Jwest really out of the game? The other player needs to step up then. Damned hard and fast if my math still works.

[slotty008]

First, I’m a big believer in using all new fuses. Spend $5-10 and replace them all.
Second, the original fuse panel is simple and works fine. Clean up the contacts.
I found a second panel, cleaned it off in vinegar and then switched the wires, one by one, into the clean panel. Then cleaned the old one so I could do the same for the next car.

I would just get a new cover. The old ones get brittle and crack.

Not a bad idea!

[slotty008]

There are a couple of aftermarket options that replace the stupid old chicklets with modern blade fuse replacements. Don't look back.

Is Jwest really out of the game? The other player needs to step up then.

The other player?

[Rand]

There are a couple of aftermarket options that replace the stupid old chicklets with modern blade fuse replacements. Don't look back.

Is Jwest really out of the game? The other player needs to step up then.

The other player?

Yes, there is another manufacturer for this. It's here's somewhere.

[Rand]

DD, you are my Bueller, you know it. What am I missing? Who is it?

[ConeDodger]

DD, you are my Bueller, you know it. What am I missing? Who is it?

It was Engman, who of course passed away a couple years back. The Whitesell boys may pick it up. I love mine so much, I did the same on my 240Z.

[Rand]

He's paying more than he'd like on this one but I'm loving it.

[Coondog]

Wait until J-West has them in stock

[Rand]

DD, you are my Bueller, you know it. What am I missing? Who is it?

It was Engman, who of course passed away a couple years back. The Whitesell boys may pick it up. I love mine so much, I did the same on my 240Z.

Thanks Rob It was Engman I was thinking of. It surely needs to be picked up as long as it doesn't step on anyone's toes. Mikey would be the logical choice. (Dude you still wear those? You're married, right? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) )

[shoguneagle]

The old type fuses always seem to present a problem over time. I bought one from Engman several years ago, installed it, and never looked back. Changed wire for wire without a problem, used longer mount bolts (2) with spacers.

Wait for JWest or Mikey; both provide excellent products.

[Rand]

When you say wait, you mean mikey. Engman and Jwest already did it. Don't wait for the unknown, go to Jwest now.

[ConeDodger]

When you say wait, you mean mikey. Engman and Jwest already did it. Don't wait for the unknown, go to Jwest now.

I think by “wait” he means wait for JWest who says they are out of stock, which could mean, he needs several orders before he’ll pull the trigger and make a few, or alternatively, wait for the Whitesell boys. I have no clue if they’re even considering it.

For the present, I’d just clean up the original.

[914_teener]

The cover of my fuse box is missing. I can buy a new cover from Sierra Madre or get a new fuse panel. But Jwest doesn't have it at the moment and Pelican neither. I could buy a 12 way fuse box on Ebay but I'm not sure it will fit
I have had no electrical issues, so what would be the best thing to do?

Go with Jwest and watch your knees in the mean time.

[JamesM]

I have had no electrical issues, so what would be the best thing to do?

If it aint broke...


I actually have a couple Engman panels that I purchased when he was still around still sitting in the box he shipped them in. One, because I read about interference/shorting issues with them on early cars and two, because none of my 914s actually have a problem necessitating the replacement so i never bothered to dig in and see for myself. For that matter most of my 914s are missing the stock fuse cover and they seem to get on just fine.

[Rand]

If it aint broke...

It was broken by design when compared to the options we have today. I'm not a klutz, but I've knocked the stock chicklets out a couple times over the years. It's no fun putting them all back in the right order when you need to get somewhere. The last time was the trigger to upgrade to a blade fuse box. It's simply better. Unless you are a concourse weenie, it's a no-brainer upgrade.

[Rand]

James, fast respect. We don't have "likes" on here, but I like what you said.
The pace..... I wish forums could keep up with social media. If it could, it would only mean gold.

[JeffBowlsby]

If it aint broke...

It was broken by design when compared to the options we have today. I'm not a klutz, but I've knocked the stock chicklets out a couple times over the years. It's no fun putting them all back in the right order when you need to get somewhere. The last time was the trigger to upgrade to a blade fuse box. It's simply better. Unless you are a concourse weenie, it's a no-brainer upgrade.

Your opinions are not supported by all. I am only responding to convey accurate facts to folks to keep them objectively informed.

Unlike the currently available aftermarket generic fusebox units:

The original fusepanel design was not deficient and uses high quality materials. Its certainly possible to kick them out, but its operator error. Never been a problem for me.

Lighted, blade style fuses are great, but that does not negate the function or utility of the original bullet style fuses, or make them deficient.

The current aftermarket generic fuseboxes were not designed for the 914 specifically and are not an upgrade but a compromise because they strain the wires at the 90 degree terminals and require the loom ties to be loosened up at the fusepanel.

Direct short to ground conditions have been documented when installing some of these aftermarket fuseboxes in the early cars, its not known if this condition has been corrected or not.

[Rand]

If it aint broke...

It was broken by design when compared to the options we have today. I'm not a klutz, but I've knocked the stock chicklets out a couple times over the years. It's no fun putting them all back in the right order when you need to get somewhere. The last time was the trigger to upgrade to a blade fuse box. It's simply better. Unless you are a concourse weenie, it's a no-brainer upgrade.

Your opinions are not supported by all. I am only responding to convey accurate facts to folks to keep them objectively informed.

Unlike the currently available aftermarket generic fusebox units:

The original fusepanel design was not deficient and uses high quality materials. Its certainly possible to kick them out, but its operator error. Never been a problem for me. Don't overlook part of the real problem: You could knock them all out accidentally by just getting in the car. THAT is seriously the biggest problem. I'm happy it hasn't happened to you.


Lighted, blade style fuses are great, but that does not negate the function or utility of the original bullet style fuses, or make them deficient.

The current aftermarket generic fuseboxes were not designed for the 914 specifically and are not an upgrade but a compromise because they strain the wires at the 90 degree terminals and require the loom ties to be loosened up at the fusepanel.

Direct short to ground conditions have been documented when installing some of these aftermarket fuseboxes in the early cars, its not known if this condition has been corrected or not.

I am not questioning the quality of the OG materials. I just mean the newer blade design is better. Thus why they are used today more often than the 70s.

The real problem is a combination of the loose fitting chicklets combined with where they are located. Clearly you've never knocked them loose by accident. I have.

(Please don't take these comments personally, Jeff. I love your work and only respect you. Heck I made a logo years ago, hah, bet you don't remember that.)